Farmers Block Roads in Brussels to Protest South American Free-Trade Deal

Farmers blocked roads in Brussels to protest a free-trade agreement with South America.

SUMMARY

Farmers protested in Brussels against a free-trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries, fearing negative impacts on their farms. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters during a European summit.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Roads blocked by farmers on tractors in Brussels.
Protest against a free-trade agreement with South America.
Police intervention with tear gas and water cannons.
Concerns over the economic and environmental impact of the agreement.
Tensions during the European Union leaders' summit.

CORE SUBJECT

Farmers' protest against trade agreement

Farmers on tractors blocked roads and set off fireworks in Brussels on Wednesday, December 17, ahead of a European Union leaders' summit, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons as protesters demonstrated against a major free-trade agreement with South American countries.

The farmers fear that this agreement will endanger their local production by promoting the import of low-cost South American agricultural products, which could destabilize the European market and harm the sustainability of their farms. They also denounce a lack of consideration for environmental and social standards in this agreement.

The protest disrupted traffic in several neighborhoods of the Belgian capital, causing tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement. European authorities reaffirmed their commitment to concluding this agreement, highlighting its economic and strategic benefits for the Union.

This mobilization is part of a broader context of opposition to EU trade policies, where farmers are demanding more support and protection against international competition.

KEYWORDS

farmers Brussels free-trade agreement South America protest European Union police tear gas water cannons

MENTIONED ENTITIES 2

European Union

🏛️ Organization

Political and economic organization of European countries

Brussels

📍 Location_City

Capital of Belgium and seat of European institutions